The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges has formally requested Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to comment on a proposed “no work, no pay” policy as the chamber grapples with his prolonged absence from legislative duties.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, chairperson of the ethics panel, confirmed on Monday that the committee has initiated a review following a complaint lodged by the anti-corruption group “Wag Kang KuCorrupt.”
The group raised concerns over Dela Rosa’s continuous absence from the Senate’s regular sessions, which began in November 2025.
Dela Rosa’s departure from the public eye followed claims by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against the senator in connection with the anti-drug campaign during the Duterte administration.
“The committee already acted on it. The committee already asked Sen. Dela Rosa to comment on the proposal to amend the rules. Hinihintay lang ng committee yung response ni Sen. Dela Rosa because… of the issues. There is a proposal to amend the rules of the Senate already on absenteeism.”
The controversy has sparked a broader debate within the Senate regarding the accountability of lawmakers who miss significant periods of work.
Ejercito suggested that amending the Senate rules to include financial penalties for absenteeism would ensure fairness, aligning the rules for legislators with those of the general workforce.
“Sana, siguro just to be fair also, maganda naman sana isakripisyo na lang yung allowance and yung salary specifically kasi yun nga, sabi nga sa mga ordinary (workers), ‘no work, no pay.’ So it has to apply to all.”
The ethics panel is currently awaiting Dela Rosa’s formal response before proceeding with potential amendments to the internal rules governing attendance and compensation for members of the upper chamber.